(Submitted/northern village of La Loche)

By Nicole Reis

COVID-19 UPDATE

COVID-19 numbers stabilizing in La Loche, contact tracing continues over weekend

May 15, 2020 | 7:13 PM

Active COVID-19 cases in La Loche remain steady as the community resumes testing over the weekend. The northern village reported four new cases today and Clearwater River Dene Nation saw a slight jump with two positive cases reported since May 12.

In a health briefing from the northern village of La Loche and Clearwater River Dene Nation, Dr. Rim Zayed, Medical Health Officer with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA)told the community over local radio, La Loche now has a total of 154 reported cases of COVID-19 with 48 recoveries to date. Clearwater River Dene Nation saw a slight jump since Tuesday with 29 reported cases and six recoveries for a total of 23 active cases.

“This number is almost the same as the last few days where we have around three to four cases which is good and stable,” she said. “Though this is assuring, I’m still cautious about saying we are off the hook with this COVID-19 infection.”

Dr. Zayed said more effort needs to be taken with self-isolation, physical distancing and hand washing. She is hoping to contain the virus by the end of the month if the community adheres to public health orders.

“It doesn’t mean this infection will disappear,” she said. “The virus will stay with us for some time but it depends on us and our effort to keep a physical distance and to try to work our lives based on this precaution in making sure our vulnerable ones, grandparents and elderly do not get infected.”

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The doctor said as contact tracing continues over the weekend, health workers will ask about symptoms which will not necessarily present only a cough. Other symptoms could include headache, body pain, fever and chills. If you have symptoms call the HealthLine at 811. Individuals who present symptoms and are awaiting test results, have been urged to physically distance and continue with self-isolation.

Clearwater River Dene Chief Teddy Clark said cases have slightly jumped in his community and with contact tracing continuing, cases may increase as results come in.

“Since we started, we’ve tested over 100 people and a lot of them were voluntary,” he said. “Our testing has ended today but will start again on Tuesday.”

Clark explained individuals without symptoms can be tested and self-monitor. Self-isolation would not be required.

Trevor Tessier, Director of Primary Care NW with the SHA, said testing is ongoing with 125 residences in La Loche covered today. In total through door-to-door testing, over 400 homes have been tested in the area. Testing will continue in the days to come and will cover streets in the village tomorrow.

Manage Alcohol Program will continue over the weekend with distribution at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

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nicole.reis@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @nicolereis7722